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Sophie LelloucheFilm director, screenwriter
Country:
 France |
Content:
- Biography of Sophie Lellouche
- Inspiration from Woody Allen
- Working with Woody Allen
- Influences and Future Plans
- The State of Cinema
- French Cinema and Industry
- Thoughts on Russian Cinema
- The Purpose of Cinema
Biography of Sophie Lellouche
Sophie Lellouche is a renowned French film director and screenwriter. She recently released her romantic comedy film "Paris-Manhattan" in her home country, which she personally presented in Moscow. In an interview with "Novye Izvestiya," Sophie Lellouche discussed the inspiration behind her work and how cinema helps in real life.
Inspiration from Woody Allen
When asked about the references to Woody Allen's films in her own work, Lellouche admitted that she drew inspiration from Allen's "The Purple Rose of Cairo." She explained that it helped her create a protagonist who evolves in reverse, living in her dreams and then facing reality towards the end of the film. Despite this inspiration, Lellouche aimed to create something opposite to the melancholic tone of Allen's work.
Working with Woody Allen
Lellouche revealed that she sent the script to Woody Allen, who agreed to be a part of the film without even seeing the finished version. They had one day of shooting together, and Lellouche admitted that having Allen in her film was surreal. Every time she watches the movie, she is amazed by his appearance.
Influences and Future Plans
Apart from Woody Allen, Lellouche expressed her admiration for directors such as James Gray, Christophe Honoré, and Maurice Pialat. She appreciates how Maurice Pialat's work delves into reality and real-life situations, which inspired her to create something different. Lellouche mentioned that she has two potential stories for her next project but has not made a final decision yet.
The State of Cinema
Lellouche disagreed with the notion that the romantic comedy genre has become cliché and tired. She believes her film stands out due to its blend of humor and coming-of-age story, which may not be immediately apparent to viewers. Lellouche addressed concerns about her film getting lost among others in the genre, but she remains confident in its unique elements.
French Cinema and Industry
Lellouche acknowledged the abundance of young and talented filmmakers in France and the support they receive from the industry. However, she also highlighted that this support sometimes leads to challenges, as some filmmakers decline projects due to disagreements over compensation or other issues. Lellouche emphasized the difficulty of breaking into the industry but mentioned that attending film school or writing scripts can provide opportunities.
Thoughts on Russian Cinema
Lellouche expressed her admiration for Russian cinema, mentioning notable directors such as Andrei Tarkovsky, Aleksandr Sokurov, and Nikita Mikhalkov. She described Russian cinema as intellectual, profound, and somewhat inaccessible to everyone, making it a unique and attractive art form. Although she has not yet collaborated with anyone from the Russian film industry, Lellouche appreciates the quality and depth of Russian films.
The Purpose of Cinema
When discussing the purpose of cinema, Lellouche emphasized its ability to offer an alternative reality and help viewers learn something new. She disagreed with the notion that cinema is an escape from reality, stating that it provides an opportunity to live through others' lives and make positive changes in one's own life. Lellouche believes that cinema has the power to change lives and be a valuable tool in navigating reality.
